First Nations athletes get the best start to 2026

There are 19 successful applicants that have secured grants from our latest round of this popular Program.

The Program aims to connect cultures and inspire a new generation of Aboriginal sporting heroes to follow in the footsteps of legends like athlete Cathy Freeman, Australian cricketer Scott Boland and more.

Sharing in more than $68,000, recipients include the Robinvale Manatunga Sports Club.

They will be using $11,000 towards travel costs for their junior boys’ and girls’ teams to participate in the upcoming VACSAL State-wide Basketball Classic this March in Geelong.

Team Manager of Robinvale Manatunga Sports Club, Stacey Ingram said, ‘For our 10 teams this is a game changer. They will now be able to compete in the Statewide Aboriginal Carnival in Geelong. This support enables them to participate with pride and feel connected as a community.’

Ten junior basketball players from Broadmeadows based HC Dallas Phoenix Basketball Club will also have access to new uniforms and equipment thanks to a $1,000 boost.

The Darebin Netball Association have netted almost $2,300 toward new uniforms for their First Nations U17 junior girls and open women’s senior players.

This grant Program is part of the Government’s strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which is creating more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal participation.

Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has awarded more than 530 grants to community sport clubs and individuals in Victoria’s Indigenous communities.

For more information about the program and the latest successful recipients visit Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.